The Tennessee legislature approved Gov. Bill Lee's signature education initiative during a special legislative session.

The Senate passed the bill in a 20 to 13 vote after just over 90 minutes of debate. House members passed the bill with bipartisan opposition in a vote of 54 to 44, with one member not voting,

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who has criticized the federal government for "excessive overreach," said the U.S. Education Department should be eliminated during Donald Trump's second term as president. (Courtesy TN.gov) The House and the Senate passed the Education Freedom Act, legislation championed by Gov. Bill Lee.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee joined others Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of the $95 million Duksan (DS) Electera factory in Shelbyville.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Tennessee House and Senate passed the proposed school choice program, a disaster relief package for those affected by Hurricane Helene and an immigration bill. Now, all three are headed to Lee’s desk for a final signature.

Tennessee House Republicans voted overwhelmingly in favor of sweeping immigration legislation Thursday, creating a new state enforcement office, providing grants to law enforcement, creating distinct licenses for noncitizens and making it a felony for public officials to back sanctuary policies.

A special session primarily developed around Gov. Bill Lee's signature education voucher proposal will now also include prominent immigration issues.

The Tennessee state Congress passed Governor Bill Lee's heavily pushed school voucher bill Thursday, on what is expected to be the final day of the special session the governor called to vote on this initiative and several others.

A bill filed for school vouchers for Tennessee students has transitioned for a special session, finally mapping out the funding for how the initiative would even work.

The legislation could mean jail time and a fine for those supporting sanctuary policies designed to protect migrants.

A bill seeking to strengthen immigration policies in Tennessee could soon be signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

The Education Freedom Act of 2025 passed the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday 54-44 as some Republicans joined Democrats in voting no.